Buying a Piano: The Ultimate Guide for Buyers

You want to buy a piano but aren't sure what to look for? Whether new or used instrument, digital piano or acoustic piano, for beginners or advanced players – buying a piano raises many questions: Which brand is right? How do I check the condition of a used piano? Where can I find reliable offers? And what is a fair price?

This comprehensive guide takes you step by step through the entire buying process. You'll learn everything important about choosing between new and used, comparing piano brands, quality inspection, buying options, pricing, transport, and maintenance. With the right tips, buying your piano becomes a successful and joyful experience.

New or Used Piano? Making the Right Choice

One of the first questions when buying a piano: Should it be a new or used instrument? Both options have advantages and disadvantages. The right choice depends on your budget, requirements, and experience.

• Buying a new piano
  Advantages: Factory-new condition, full manufacturer warranty, latest materials and craftsmanship, no signs of use, often better financing options at dealers.
  Disadvantages: Significantly higher price. A new brand piano easily costs 5,000 to 15,000 euros or more. Depreciation in the first years similar to cars.
  Suitable for: Buyers with higher budget who value warranty and latest standards.
• Buying a used piano
  Advantages: Significantly cheaper – often 30-60% below new price. High-quality older instruments from renowned brands (Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway, Bechstein) offer excellent quality at fair prices. No more depreciation if the instrument is already older. Large selection of different models and years.
  Disadvantages: Condition varies greatly – thorough inspection necessary. No or limited warranty with private purchase. Possible follow-up costs for maintenance, repairs, or tuning.
  Suitable for: Price-conscious buyers, beginners who want to try first, and advanced players looking for a high-quality instrument at a fair price.
• Digital piano as alternative?
  Digital pianos are an alternative for those with limited space, wanting to use headphones, or having a smaller budget. They cost between 500 and 3,000 euros, require no tuning, and are easy to transport. However, they don't achieve the playing feel and natural sound of an acoustic piano. For ambitious players or classical piano music, an acoustic instrument is the better choice in the long run.

Our recommendation: If your budget is limited or you're not yet sure if piano playing will be your long-term hobby, a used piano from a renowned brand is often the best choice. With some patience, you'll find high-quality instruments in good condition at fair prices – especially on specialized platforms like PianoHub, where private sellers and dealers offer their instruments.

Piano Brands Compared: Which is Right for You?

A piano's brand plays a crucial role in quality, sound, value stability, and price. Here's an overview of the most important manufacturers and their characteristics:

• Premium brands (top class): Steinway & Sons, Bösendorfer, Bechstein, Blüthner, Fazioli: These brands stand for highest quality, traditional craftsmanship, and excellent sound. New prices often range from 20,000 to over 100,000 euros. Used, these instruments are significantly cheaper but remain value-stable. Ideal for ambitious players and professionals.
• Upper mid-range: Yamaha (premium series like C, CF), Kawai (K-series, Shigeru Kawai), Sauter, Seiler, Grotrian-Steinweg: Excellent quality at fairer prices than top class. Yamaha and Kawai are particularly popular as they offer an excellent price-performance ratio. New prices between 8,000 and 30,000 euros, used often from 3,000 euros.
• Solid mid-range: Yamaha (U-series, B-series), Kawai (K-series), Rönisch, W. Hoffmann (C. Bechstein second brand): Reliable quality for beginners and intermediate players. These instruments are durable, sonically solid, and affordable. New prices between 5,000 and 12,000 euros, used often from 1,500 euros. Perfect for beginners and hobby players.
• Entry class: Many Asian manufacturers (e.g., Pearl River, Hailun, but also cheaper Yamaha models): Budget instruments for small budgets. Quality and sound vary greatly. Suitable for absolute beginners, but often lower value stability and shorter lifespan.

From this overview, two key recommendations emerge:

• Yamaha and Kawai – the safe classics: Yamaha and Kawai are the world's best-selling piano brands and absolutely recommendable. They offer reliable quality, good sound, and remain valuable even after decades. Especially used Yamaha U1 or Kawai K-series models are excellent entry instruments.
• Steinway, Bechstein & Co. – prestige and sound culture: If you value traditional craftsmanship, unique sound, and value stability, German and Austrian premium brands are the right choice. However, they are also significantly more expensive used.

Our tip: As a beginner or hobby player, you're well served with a used Yamaha or Kawai piano. They offer excellent quality at fair prices and are still easy to resell after years. Advanced players and professionals should also look at premium brands – especially used, these are often affordable.

Checking Used Pianos: Buying Checklist

When buying a used piano, thorough inspection is crucial. Only this way can you ensure you're buying an instrument in good condition at a fair price. Here's a checklist of what to look for:

• Visual condition: Check the cabinet for scratches, cracks, discoloration, or water damage. Minor signs of use are normal, major damage can indicate lack of care. Pay special attention to cracks in the wood – these can indicate climate problems (too dry or too humid).
• Keys and keyboard: Play through all keys individually. They should feel uniform, not stick, not be too heavy or too light. Look for discolored or worn key covers. Check if all keys sink evenly deep and spring back quickly.
• Sound and tuning: An out-of-tune piano is not a deal-breaker – tuning only costs 80-120 euros. But watch for individual notes that rattle, clatter, or don't sound at all. This can indicate defective strings, hammers, or dampers. Play different ranges (bass, middle, treble) and pay attention to tonal balance.
• Action: The action is the piano's heart. Test if all keys respond cleanly, even with soft playing. Watch for extraneous noises (creaking, rattling). A well-maintained action responds precisely and uniformly.
• Pedals: Test all pedals (usually three: damper pedal right, moderator middle, una corda left). They should move smoothly and clearly fulfill their function. Watch for squeaking or stiff pedals – this indicates wear.
• Soundboard and frame: Open the piano and check the soundboard (the large wooden plate inside). Cracks in the soundboard are a serious problem and can be expensive. The cast iron frame should also have no cracks. If unsure: bring in an expert!
• Serial number and year: Note the serial number (usually inside on the frame or under the keys) and research the year of manufacture. This way you can assess the instrument's age and compare with the asking price.
• Maintenance history: Ask for receipts for tunings, repairs, or overhauls. Regular maintenance is a good sign of careful handling.

Important: If you're unsure, take a piano technician or experienced piano player to the viewing. A professional assessment often costs only 100-150 euros and can save you from expensive bad purchases. Especially with higher-priced instruments, this investment is worthwhile.

Where to Buy a Piano? Comparing the Best Options

When buying a piano, you have various options. Each has advantages and disadvantages – the right choice depends on your priorities:

• Online platforms for used pianos (like PianoHub)
  Advantages: Large selection of instruments from private sellers and dealers. Targeted audience – only piano enthusiasts. Fair prices through direct contact between buyer and seller. Specialized platforms like PianoHub offer privacy protection, free use, and clear search functions. You can browse comfortably from home and compare offers.
  Disadvantages: No warranty with private purchase, condition checking requires initiative. On-site viewing necessary – you should never buy a piano without playing it first.
• Piano dealer or specialist
  Advantages: Professional advice, inspected and often refurbished instruments, warranty, delivery and setup included. Dealers often offer guarantee and service after purchase. Ideal for buyers who value security and full service.
  Disadvantages: Higher prices than private purchase, as dealers must factor in refurbishment, storage, and service. Smaller selection than online.
  More information about dealer advantages can be found in our dealer advantage guide.
• General classifieds portals (eBay Classifieds, etc.)
  Advantages: Very large reach, many offers, often low prices.
  Disadvantages: High competition, many unqualified offers, risk of scammers. No specialized platform – you must filter through many irrelevant offers. Often incomplete information and poor photos.
• Private purchase through personal network
  Advantages: Trust through personal relationship, often fair prices, quick handling.
  Disadvantages: Very limited selection, dependent on chance.

Our recommendation: For the best combination of selection, fair prices, and reliable offers, a specialized platform like PianoHub is ideal. You'll find both private offers and dealer listings here – and can compare in peace without fighting through countless irrelevant ads. All sellers reach targeted piano-interested buyers, which significantly increases listing quality.

Understanding Piano Prices: What's a Fair Price?

The price range for pianos is enormous – from a few hundred euros for old, neglected instruments to six-figure amounts for concert grands. Here's an overview of what to expect:

• New prices by category: Entry class (new pianos): 3,000 – 6,000 euros | Mid-range (Yamaha U-series, Kawai K-series): 6,000 – 12,000 euros | Upper mid-range (Yamaha Premium, Kawai Shigeru, Seiler): 12,000 – 30,000 euros | Premium class (Steinway, Bechstein, Bösendorfer): 20,000 – 100,000+ euros
• Used prices – what to watch for?: Used pianos cost between 500 and 20,000 euros depending on age, condition, brand, and location. A well-maintained Yamaha U1 (very popular model) from the 1980s costs used about 2,500 – 4,500 euros. An older Steinway piano can still cost 10,000 – 30,000 euros used.
• Price factors for used pianos: Brand and model: Renowned brands (Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway, Bechstein) achieve higher prices. | Age: Not solely decisive – a 40-year-old, well-maintained Yamaha can be worth more than a 10-year-old no-name instrument. | Condition: Technically and optically flawless instruments justify higher prices. | Location: In big cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas. | Maintenance history: Regularly tuned and maintained instruments are worth more.
• Comparing prices – how to proceed: Search on PianoHub and other platforms for comparable instruments (same brand, similar age, similar condition). Pay attention to location – pianos in Munich are often more expensive than in rural regions. Consider additional costs: transport (150-500 euros), tuning (80-120 euros), possible repairs.
• Financing possible?: Many specialized piano dealers offer installment purchase or financing – especially for higher-priced instruments. With private purchase, payment plans are rather uncommon. If in doubt, ask – some sellers are open to partial payments.

Our tip: Set a realistic budget and compare multiple offers. A well-maintained used brand piano (Yamaha, Kawai) is often the best investment – you get excellent quality at a fair price without the depreciation of a new purchase.

Transporting a Piano: Delivery and Setup

A piano weighs between 150 and 400 kg – transport should therefore always be handled by professionals. Here's what you need to know:

• Hire professional piano transport: Pianos must never be transported by amateurs. The sensitive action, soundboard, and frame can be irreparably damaged by improper transport. Always hire a specialized piano transport company – not a general moving company.
• Costs for piano transport: Costs depend on distance, floor, and accessibility. Within the same city: 150 – 300 euros. Over longer distances (100-300 km): 300 – 600 euros. With stairs, narrow hallways, or external elevator: surcharge of 50 – 200 euros.
• Organizing transport – buyer or seller?: Typically, the buyer organizes and pays for transport. But clarify this in advance with the seller. Some dealers offer free or discounted delivery.
• Setup and first tuning: After transport, the piano should acclimatize for several weeks before being tuned. Don't place it directly next to radiators, windows, or exterior walls – temperature fluctuations and humidity damage the instrument. Plan a tuning 4-6 weeks after setup (approx. 100 euros).
• Pick up or have delivered?: With private purchase, you usually pick up the instrument yourself (or have it picked up). With dealers, delivery is often included in the price or available for a surcharge. Always ask if delivery, setup, and first tuning are included.

Important: Don't save on transport. A damaged piano can cause repair costs of several thousand euros. Better invest 300 euros in professional transport than ruin the instrument.

Piano Maintenance and Care: Keeping Your Instrument in Top Shape

A piano is a long-term investment – with proper care, it lasts decades and retains its value. Here are the most important points:

• Regular tuning: A piano should be tuned at least once a year, twice with intensive use. A tuning costs 80-120 euros and is essential for good sound and value stability. Even if you don't notice the out-of-tune instrument yourself – the strings and action suffer from incorrect tension.
• Room climate: Pianos react sensitively to temperature and humidity. Ideal are 18-22°C and 40-60% humidity. Too dry air (in winter from heating) makes wood shrink and can cause cracks. Too humid air (in summer) makes wood swell and affects the action. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier if necessary.
• Location choice: Don't place the piano directly next to radiators, windows, or exterior walls. Avoid direct sunlight – UV light bleaches the wood and damages the finish.
• Cleaning: Wipe the cabinet regularly with a soft, dry cloth. High-gloss lacquered instruments need special piano polish. Clean the keys carefully with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents.
• Professional maintenance: Every 5-10 years, a piano technician should regulate and voice the action. This keeps the instrument in optimal condition and significantly extends its lifespan. Costs: 200-500 euros, depending on effort.

Tip: Find a good piano tuner in your area and stay loyal. A specialist who knows your instrument over years can recognize wear early and fix small problems before they become expensive.

Avoiding Common Piano Buying Mistakes

From experience, we know which mistakes buyers frequently make. Avoid these typical pitfalls:

• Buying a piano without playing it first: Never buy a piano online without viewing and playing it first. Pictures and descriptions say little about sound, playing feel, and actual condition. Always arrange an on-site viewing.
• Not thoroughly checking condition: Many buyers overlook hidden defects because they don't follow the checklist (see above). Take time for the viewing and thoroughly test all keys, pedals, and sound.
• Not bringing an expert: Especially with higher-priced instruments or if you have little experience, it's worth taking a piano technician to the viewing. 100-150 euros consultation costs can save you from a bad purchase costing thousands of euros.
• Deciding too quickly: Don't let yourself be pressured. Reputable sellers give you time to think. Compare multiple offers before buying.
• Underestimating transport: Many buyers forget to factor in transport costs. A cheap piano 300 km away can quickly become more expensive through costly delivery than a slightly pricier instrument nearby.
• Not making a purchase agreement: Especially with private purchase, you should draft a simple written purchase contract. It protects both sides and documents condition, price, and handover date.

With these tips, you avoid the biggest pitfalls and buy your piano safely, at a fair price, and with confidence.

Buying a piano may seem complex at first glance, but with proper preparation it becomes an exciting and rewarding process. You now have all the important information at hand: From choosing between new and used through brand comparisons to condition checking and pricing.

Whether you want to buy a used piano, find a Yamaha piano cheaply, or simply discover the best instrument for your budget – on PianoHub you'll reach exactly the right offers. Private sellers and dealers from all over Germany, Austria, and Switzerland offer their instruments here. Your advantage: Large selection, clear search, fair prices, and privacy protection.

Ready to find your dream piano? Browse current offers on PianoHub now and find the perfect instrument for you. It only takes a few minutes!

If you still have questions, check out our FAQ section or contact us via the contact form. Good luck finding your piano!